Remember the days of searching for hop-on/hop-off tours, like searching for a viral track from years ago? It had its moment, and oh, what a jam it was! But the rhythm of travel is constantly evolving and it’s time to dance to a new beat. So skip the old playlists; it’s time to swipe right and connect with Australia and New Zealand’s most exciting bus tour lineup. Dive into our playlist of exciting new tour beats and let’s make your next trip the trend everyone follows!
The magic of ADVENTURE and SELECT
ADVENTURE and SELECT are the words that describe our two brand new tour categories in both Australia And New Zealand. This is the future of bus travel. Follow your heart and catch the #StraySpirit. These new tour categories are the basis for a range of great tours, but first let’s explain what we mean by naming these tour categories ADVENTURE and SELECT.
ADVENTURE Tours
‘More’ is what these new ADVENTURE tours are all about. More fun, more excitement, more friends to talk to after a great day of adventures, and more days of touring. We have maximized bus travel. So get ready, adrenaline junkies! Unleash your wild side and let your mind run wild with our new ADVENTURE Tours Australia And New Zealand.
Dive into shared dormitories and enjoy unforgettable activities. Feel the essence of Aussie or Kiwi wanderlust as you forge bonds that will last a lifetime. ADVENTURE Tours are the next version of our famous backpacker tours, without the hops but way hipper! You don’t have to worry about where to stop and what to do, just sit back and relax. We drive for you and as soon as the bus stops, you know it’s time for an adventure. These tours are packed with excitement and fun.
Whether you go for one Aussie ADVENTURE or a Kiwi ADVENTURE, they are packed with great activities and fun. Australia is all about waterfalls, mountains, sailing and wildlife spotting, including a 4WD safari to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), exploring the stunning Whitsunday Islands and visiting Magnetic Island, a natural paradise full of koalas and wallabies. In New Zealand, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Abel Tasman National Park and a Milford Sound Cruise are some of the great activities included in these new ADVENTURE Tours. Which activities are included depends on the specific ADVENTURE Tour you go on. Compare our tours now and get ready for adventure.
SELECT Tours
Do you like adventure with a touch of luxury? Our SELECT Tours are exactly what you are looking for. This is where comfort and thrill meet. Relax in 3-4 star accommodation with twin beds after a day of immersive, must-do activities. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Australia or New Zealand with experiences far removed from the average tourist trap.
SELECT Tours are designed for travelers who have evolved beyond the usual backpacker circuits, yet are fueled by that eternal spirit of adventure: the journey never really ends! Dorms no longer appeal to you because you like a little more private space, so you’re looking for that extra touch of comfort and a more relaxed way to travel. But you don’t want to miss out on the thrills and great activities! Come on, you’re not old yet, your requirements just changed. And so do our tours, which is where SELECT Tours comes in.
Experience activities such as the geothermal magic of Geyser by Night and a 4WD Eco Safari at New Zealand’s remote Blue Duck Station or Lady Musgrave Island and Lagoon, where you’ll encounter an abundance of marine and wildlife and gain insight into the incredible Aboriginal culture through a bush walk and cultural experience in Australia. Have a look at our SELECT Tours in Australia or go ahead SELECT in New Zealand.
And what about the hop on, hop off? Will it come back?
As we explained in a previous blog post, our Freestyle Passes aka the Hop-on Hop-off Bus network remain on hold as we focus on these exciting new Stray Journeys tours that align with what modern travelers and new-style backpackers are looking for. are looking for – epic adventures with all the good stuff included, but without the hassle of organizing everything yourself! Eyes on the horizon, straight on to a bright future.
But why you might ask: why do you hold out on hop-on/hop-off tours? Other companies still offer these hop-on/hop-off tours. Well the answer is simple….
The hidden pitfalls of hop-on/hop-off tours
So you’ve heard of hop-on hop-off tours and are tempted by the freedom they offer. But hold on to your backpack straps, because in the world of hopping buses, it’s not always sunny skies and smooth rides. Let’s see why they may not be the golden ticket they seem:
- Summer madness: Picture this: you soak up the sun, get a taste of the local culture, and then – WHAM! – every bus is packed. Summer turns those buses into overflowing sardine cans, leaving you stranded, waiting for that ever-elusive empty seat. Talk about summer blues!
- The Paradox of Choice: Yes, flexibility is what it’s all about, but can too much of a good thing be, well, not so good? Often, travelers end up playing their own travel agent, drowning in logistics and sucking the spontaneity out of their trip. Instead of ‘hop-on/hop-off’, it’s starting to feel more ‘stop-and-flop’.
- DIY overload: After you get out, the real challenge begins. From searching for that cosy, budget-friendly place to stay, to navigating bus stops to your chosen place to stay, or even just scratching your head over what to do next, it’s an endless series of tasks. The thrill of adventure? Replaced by the fear of planning.
- Overdrive from stress and anxiety: Have you ever had those nights tossing and turning, wondering if you bit off more than you can chew? That is often the song of the hop-on-hop-off traveler. The idea of freedom turns into a huge to-do list, replacing euphoria with fear.
The Stray Solution: Seamless, Stress-Free Tours!
Lucky for you, there is a silver lining. Dive into our new set tours, where adventure meets convenience and spontaneity gets a structured twist. Why wade through the muddy waters of planning when you can cruise a clear stream with us?
- Private coaches: Forget those overcrowded buses. Travel in style and comfort with our exclusive rides.
- Compound routes: Enjoy the best of both worlds. Structure when you need it, freedom when you don’t.
- Comfortable stay: Bypass the hunt for accommodation. We have handpicked dreamy digs just for you.
- Foodie Vibes: Get ready for a tasty journey as breakfast and some other meals are included.
- Small groups: Forge deeper connections in intimate groups, make memories and friends that will last a lifetime.
Why compromise when you can have it all? Choose peace of mind, choose adventure, choose value for money. Ditch the hops and get hip! Let go of the stress and embrace the spunk and #StrayTheRightWay!
You just have to choose between touring Australia or New Zealand as our great new tour categories have launched in both countries (just with some minor tweaks and variations between the Aussie and Kiwi tours). So here’s a little help making that choice.
Reasons to head dive in New Zealand
Yes, we are talking about bungy jumping, New Zealand is where it all started. But there’s so much more… Nestled between snow-capped mountains, ethereal beaches and lush rainforests, New Zealand is like that page from a fairy tale book you’ve always wanted to step into. The #StrayWay guarantees a unique, off-the-grid journey through the Kiwi wonders.
look at the new Kiwi ADVENTURE Tours or the SELECT Tours in New Zealand. We can’t wait to see your smiling faces on board.
Hey Australia here, the country with great weather and ditto beaches
Australia – where golden beaches meet iconic landmarks and outback mysteries. From the glamor of Sydney to the tropical allure of Cairns, every corner promises a story. Stray is the only company to take you through this majestic coast on exclusive private buses, ensuring that every memory is unique to you.
Look, whichever country you choose, pick one Aussie SELECT tour or Australian ADVENTURE Tour and we’ll make the magic happen. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
